Dynamic load shedding system for a standby generator

ABSTRACT

A method and system for managing electrical loads on a standby generator. The method includes utilizing a transfer switch control to selectively shed loads each associated with one of a series of priority circuits. Priority values are initially assigned to each of the electric loads based upon the initial hard-wired connection of the electric loads to a main breaker panel during set up. The control unit of a transfer switch allows the user to reassign priority values to each of the electric loads based upon a user preference. The control unit includes one or more predefined priority assignment programs that can be selected to modify the priority values assigned to the electric loads.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present disclosure generally relates to a load shedding system. Morespecifically, the present disclosure relates to a load shedding systemfor selectively shedding the load applied to a standby generator.

When there is a power outage, backup power may be provided by a standbygenerator. In some cases, the standby generator is started automaticallyafter detection of the power outage. A standby generator that is startedautomatically usually requires an automatic transfer switch to connectelectrical loads to the generator rather than from the power supply. Acombination of a standby generator and an automatic transfer switch isgenerally installed by trained personnel.

Since the power supply by the standby generator is limited by the sizeof the generator, the amperage rating of the generator can limit thetypes of and number of appliances that are connected to the standbygenerator during power outages. As an example, large appliances such asair conditioners, hot water heaters and on-demand appliances such asmicrowave ovens and toasters can draw a significant amount of power thatin combination may exceed the rating limit for the standby generator.

Presently, automatic transfer switches are available that include aseries of priority circuits that allow the automatic transfer switch toselectively reduce the load on the generator when the load approachesthe rated limit for the generator. Typically, the priority circuits areassigned a value from 1 to a maximum number, such as 6 or 8, where thecircuit assigned priority value 1 has the highest priority. When theload on the generator approaches the rating for the generator, theautomatic transfer switch begins to shed load by opening switches orrelays to disconnect the load connected to the lowest priority circuit.The automatic transfer switch continues to shed the loads from thelowest priority circuit to the highest priority circuit until the loadreaches a preset limit to ensure that the generator can continue toprovide power to the highest priority loads connected to the generator.When the load on the generator is reduced, load shedding ceases.

During initial installation of the standby generator and automatictransfer switch, installers connect dedicated loads to each of thepriority circuits based upon a perceived importance of each of theloads. As an example, an air conditioner may be connected to prioritycircuit 1 where a less important load, such as a pool pump, may beconnected to priority circuit 3. Thus, when the total load on thegenerator nears the rating for the generator, the pool pump connected topriority circuit 3 is shed before the air conditioner connected topriority circuit 1.

As described above, the priority circuits in currently availableautomatic transfer switches are hardwire connected at the time ofinstallation. Therefore, if a user desires to change the deviceconnected to priority circuit 1, the electrical wiring to the transferswitch must be adjusted.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present disclosure relates to a load shedding system for managingthe load applied to a standby generator. More specifically, the presentdisclosure relates to the operation of a control unit within a transferswitch to selectively shed load from a series of priority circuits tomanage the amount of load applied to the standby generator during powerinterruption.

The system of the present disclosure includes a transfer switchpositioned between a standby generator and a main breaker panel. Whenpower is interrupted, the transfer switch activates the generator anddisconnects the supply of electricity from the utility to the mainbreaker panel.

The transfer switch included in the system of the present disclosureincludes a control unit that includes a plurality of control outputs.Each of the control outputs is connected to one of the electric loads.During initial installation, each of the electric loads is assigned aninitial priority value within the control unit. Preferably, the controlunit includes a user interface device that allows the user to identifywhich electric load is connected to each of the plurality of outputs.

When electric power is initially disrupted, the standby generator isactivated and begins supplying power to each of the electric loads. Thecontrol unit of the transfer switch monitors the load on the generatorand begins disconnecting electric loads from the generator when thecombined load approaches the rating for the generator based upon thepriority values initially assigned to each of the electric loads. Theelectric loads are disconnected in a sequential order from the lowestpriority value to the highest priority value until the combined electricload on the generator falls below the rating for the generator.

Any time during the supply of power by the standby generator or at anyother time, the user can selectively reassign the priority values toeach of the electric loads to modify the order in which the electricloads are disconnected from the generator. In one embodiment, thetransfer switch control unit includes a user interface that allows theuser to either select one of a plurality of predefined priorityassignment programs or assign priority values to each electric loadindividually. If the user selects one of the predefined priorityassignment programs, the transfer switch control unit reassigns priorityvalues to each of the electric loads. Once the priority values have beenreassigned, the transfer switch control unit sheds load from thegenerator based upon the redefined priority sequence. In this manner,the user can adjust the priority values assigned to each electric loadwithout having to rewire the transfer switch control unit.

Various other features, objects and advantages of the invention will bemade apparent from the following description taken together with thedrawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The drawings illustrate the best mode presently contemplated of carryingout the disclosure. In the drawings:

FIG. 1 is an electrical system having a load management system of thepresent disclosure;

FIG. 2 is a schematic illustration of the priority circuits controlledby the transfer switch control board;

FIG. 3 is an illustration of the status display of the prioritizedloads;

FIGS. 4 a-4 c are examples of a display screen on a user input devicethat allows the user to adjust the priority assignments; and

FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating one method of controlling theoperation of the transfer switch to reassign priority values.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

FIG. 1 depicts a load management system 10. The load management system10 includes a connection to a main power supply 11 through a meter 12.The power supply from the meter 12 is fed through an optional servicedisconnect switch 14 to a transfer switch 16. The transfer switch 16carries out a series of functions, as will be described below and canalso be referred to as a load-management controller. Throughout thefollowing disclosure, the term “transfer switch” will be utilized withthe understanding that the transfer switch 16 could also be referred toas a load-management device.

The transfer switch 16 feeds electrical power to a main breaker panel 18for the residence. The main breaker panel 18 includes a series ofindividual branch circuits 20 to provide electrical power to normalloads included in a residence, such as the lights, power outlets, etc.

In addition to the branch circuits 20, several high power consumptionloads, such as a hot water heater 22 and air conditioner 24, areconnected to the main breaker panel 18 through separate interconnectdevices, such as the remote contactors 26, 28. Each of the contactors26, 28 is shown in FIG. 1 as receiving a signal along lines 30, 32 fromthe transfer switch 16. The high power consumption loads can bedisconnected from the power supply through the contactors 26, 28, aswill be described.

Although remote contactors 26, 28 are illustrated in FIG. 1 ascontrolling the supply of power to each of the high power consumptionloads, it is contemplated that different types of interconnect devicecould be utilized. As one example, instead of utilizing the remotecontactors 26, 28, the transfer switch 16 could include internal relaysthat can be selectively opened or closed to supply power to the highpower consumption loads, such as the hot water heater 22 or the airconditioner 24. Throughout the remaining portions of the disclosure,remote contactors will be shown and described. However, it should beunderstood that different types of interconnect devices, such asinternal relays within the transfer switch 16, could be utilized whileoperating within the scope of the present disclosure.

The transfer switch 16 is connected to a standby generator 34 throughconnection 36. As is well known, when the supply of power from theutility is interrupted, a control unit within the transfer switch 16senses the interruption of power. The transfer switch 16 sends a signalto turn on the standby generator 34 and controls switches in thetransfer switch 16 to direct the supply of electricity generated by thestandby generator 34 to the main breaker panel 18. When the connectionis made between the generator 34 and the main breaker panel 18, theconnection between the utility power supply 11 and the main breakerpanel 18 is disrupted such that electricity is supplied only by thestandby generator 34.

Referring now to FIG. 2, the main breaker panel 18 is connected to atransfer switch control unit 38. The control unit 38 can include anytype of microcontroller that can be programmed to control the operationof various different functions of the transfer switch as is well known.In the embodiment shown in FIG. 2, only several of the connections tothe main breaker panel 18 are illustrated. However, it should beunderstood that various other operative connections are included in thetransfer switch and with the main breaker panel 18.

The control unit 38 controls the supply of power from the standbygenerator to a plurality of priority circuits through a series ofcontrol outputs on the main breaker panel 18, numbered 1-8 in FIG. 2. Inthe embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the control unit 38 can sendseparate control outputs to the contactors 26, 28 shown in FIG. 1. Thecontactors 26, 28 each include a relay circuit that can be selectivelyopened or closed by the transfer switch control unit 38 to selectivelyallow power to be supplied to the hot water heater 22 or the airconditioner 24 shown in FIG. 1. As previously described, the remotecontactors 26, 28 could be replaced by internal relays contained withinthe main breaker panel 18 and operated by the transfer switch controlunit 38.

During the initial set up of the embodiment shown in FIG. 2, the airconditioner 24 is connected to the first control output 40 through thecontactor 28. Water heater 22 is connected to the second control output42 through the contactor 26. In the embodiment illustrated, pool pump 56is connected to the third control output 44 through contactor 58. Anelectric baseboard heater 60 is connected to the fourth control output46 through the contactor 62. A dryer 64 is connected to the fifthcontrol output 48 through contactor 66. Stove 68 is connected to thesixth control output 50 through contactor 70. Load 72 is connected tothe seventh control output 52 through the contactor 74. Finally, load 76is connected to the eighth control output 54 through the contactor 78.

As illustrated in FIG. 2, the transfer switch control unit 38 controlseight control outputs (40-54) of the main breaker panel 18 such that atotal of eight individual loads can be controlled by the transfer switchcontrol unit 38 through the control outputs (40-54). Although eightindividual control outputs are shown in the embodiment of FIG. 2, itshould be understood that the transfer switch control unit 38 could bedesigned having fewer or more control outputs while operating within thescope of the present disclosure.

During the initial set up of the transfer switch, the user entersinformation into the transfer switch control unit 38 to indicate thetype of load that is connected to each of the eight control outputs40-54. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 2, a user interface device 90 isconnected to the transfer switch control unit 38. The user interfacedevice 90 preferably includes a display screen and some type of inputdevice that allows the user to enter information into the control unit38. As an example, when the system is set up as shown in FIG. 2, theuser enters information into the control unit 38 to indicate that theair conditioner 24 is connected to control output 40, the water heater22 is connected to the control output 42, the pool pump 56 is connectedto the control output 44, and so on. Once this information is enteredinto the control unit 38 through the user interface device 90, thecontrol unit 38 can maintain a database indicating the type of deviceconnected to each of the eight control outputs 40-54. When the system isinitially set up as shown in FIG. 2, the air conditioner 24 connected tothe first control output 40 is initially assigned the highest priorityvalue while the load 76 connected to the eighth control output 54 isinitially assigned the lowest priority value.

When electrical power is interrupted, the standby generator 34 begins tooperate and supplies electric power to the transfer switch. Whenelectric power is being supplied from the standby generator, thetransfer switch control unit 38 monitors the operation of the standbygenerator 34 to determine the amount of power being generated by thestandby generator 34, which represents the total combined load seen bythe generator, which includes not only the priority circuits but alsoall of the loads within the residence. When the transfer switch controlunit 38 detects a combined current draw from all of the loads in theresidence that approaches a first percentage amount of the rated loadcapacity for the standby generator 34, the transfer switch control unitbegins to shed loads in a manner to be described. As an example, whenthe load reaches approximately 85% of the rating for the standbygenerator 34, the transfer switch control unit 38 begins to shed loads,as will be described.

During normal operating conditions of the standby generator, when thecombined load calculated by the transfer switch control unit 38approaches the rated percentage amount for the standby generator, thetransfer switch control unit initially begins to shed load by firstshedding the lowest priority load 76 connected to the eighth controloutput 54 through the contactor 78. Once load 76 has been shed, thetransfer switch control unit again monitors for the current draw. If thecurrent draw still exceeds the allowable threshold, the next lowestpriority load 72 connected to the seventh control output 52 is shed.This process continues until enough load is shed to bring the combinedload on the generator below the rated value for the generator. As can beunderstood in FIG. 2, during the initial set up, the highest priorityload, which in the embodiment of FIG. 2 is air conditioner 24, isconnected to the first control output 40. The second highest priorityload, namely water heater 22, is connected to the second control output44. Thus, when the load on the standby generator 34 exceeds the ratedvalue, the transfer switch control unit 38 begins to sequentially shedloads from the eighth control output 54 to the first control output 40.Therefore, during initial installation of the transfer switch, theindividual loads are connected to the transfer switch control unit inthe priority sequence shown in FIG. 2.

As described above, any one of the loads can be shed by simply sending asignal from the transfer switch control unit 38 to the contactorassociated with the load to cause a relay to open to interrupt powersupply from the generator 34 to the individual load. Once the combinedload on the generator 34 falls below the rated value, the relayscontained in each of the contactors can be closed in a reverse priorityorder such that current from the generator is again supplied to theelectric loads.

As an example, the preset maximum amount of load on the standbygenerator 34 is 85%, although other percentages can be used. When thetotal current draw drops far enough below the 85% preset maximum,additional loads can be added to the generator 34.

As discussed previously, during the initial set up of the transferswitch control unit 38 shown in FIG. 2, each of the electric loads areconnected to one of the eight control outputs 40-54. During the initialset up, the electric load connected to the first control output 40 isassigned the highest priority value of 1 and the electric load 76connected to the control output 54 is assigned the lowest priority valueof 8. However, in accordance with the present disclosure, the transferswitch control unit 38 is able to reassign the priority values assignedto each of the control outputs 40-54, and thus the loads connected tothe outputs, utilizing internal programming contained within the controlunit 38.

During normal operation of the control unit 38, the control unit shedseach of the electric loads connected to the control outputs based uponthe priority value assigned to the load. Although the loads may beassigned priority values based upon a perceived importance of the loadsduring normal conditions, the priority for each of the loads may changeduring a power outage or based upon the particular situation. As anexample, during a power outage during a holiday family event, the homeresidents may desire to place a higher priority on the stove 68 ratherthan the air conditioner 24. In accordance with the present disclosure,the method and system allows the user to adjust the priority valuesassigned to each of the loads dynamically through the user interfacedevice 90.

Referring now to FIG. 4 a, the user interface 90 is shown in oneembodiment of the disclosure. Although the graphical user interface(GUI) shown on the display 92 in FIG. 4 a is one contemplatedembodiment, it should be understood that various different embodimentscould be utilized while operating within the scope of the presentdisclosure.

The display 92 shown in FIG. 4 a includes a priority label 94 above acolumn of priority values 96. As previously described, the main breakerpanel 18 includes eight control outputs and thus includes eight priorityvalues 96. The display 92 further includes a device heading 98positioned above eight individual device labels 100. The device labels100 can be changed by the control unit as desired.

The display 92 further includes a program heading 102. The programheading 102 is positioned above three separate programs 104 designatedby labels A, B and C. In addition, the program heading 102 also includesa user defined setting 106.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 4 a, the user interface device 90includes a touch-screen display that allows the user to enter inputcommands into the user interface device 90. The user interface device 90could be positioned either near the transfer switch or, alternatively,remotely from the transfer switch, such as in a room within theresidence. If the user interface device 90 is positioned remotely fromthe transfer switch, the user interface device 90 can communicate withthe transfer switch either through a wired or wireless connection.Alternatively, it is contemplated that the user interface 90 could beshown on a home computer or other similar device in communication withthe transfer switch.

Referring back to FIG. 4 a, during initial set up, each of the electricloads is assigned an initial priority value based upon the controloutput to which the electric load is connected. The initial set up isreferred to as the default setting and is indicated by program label Ain FIG. 4 a. The initial assignment of priority values to each of thecontrol outputs, and thus the loads connected to the control outputs, isdetermined based on the physical connections to the transfer switch atthe time the transfer switch is initially connected to the electricloads.

If the user desires to change the priority assignments, the user canselect one of the two other predefined priority assignment programsindicated by reference characters B and C in FIG. 4 a. As anillustrative example, the priority assignment program B can be definedsuch that the stove is assigned priority value 1, the air conditionerassigned priority value 2, the dryer assigned priority value 3 and so onas shown in FIG. 4 b.

If the user selects the predefined priority assignment program C, thepriority values are reassigned as shown in FIG. 4 c. As an example, whenprogram C is selected, the dryer is assigned priority value 1, the airconditioner is assigned priority value 2, the stove is assigned priorityvalue 3 and so on, as illustrated in FIG. 4 c. As can be understood inFIGS. 4 a-4 c, the priority values assigned to each of the electricloads can be modified by allowing the user to select one of the threepredefined priority assignment programs A-C. Although three predefinedpriority assignment programs are shown, it should be understood thatadditional predefined priority assignment programs could be incorporatedinto the display while operating within the scope of the presentdisclosure.

In addition to the predefined priority assignment programs A-C shown inFIG. 4 a, the display 92 also includes a user defined setting 106. Whenthe user defined setting 106 is selected by the user, the user canindividually assign priority values to each of the loads depending uponthe currently perceived priority for each of the loads by the user. Asan example, if a power outage occurs during a very cold day, the usermay wish to select the baseboard heater 60 as the highest priority loadand the air conditioner 24 as the lowest priority load. Alternatively,during a family function in which food is being cooked, the stove may bethe highest priority load for the home occupant. By selecting the userdefined setting 106, the home occupant can control which of the loadsare shed first and which load is assigned the highest priority directlyfrom the display 92.

As can be understood in FIG. 2, during the initial set up of thetransfer switch control unit 38, the installer defines, in the controlunit 38, which load is connected to which of the control outputs 40-54.Once the control unit 38 learns which load is connected to each controloutput, the control unit can simply reassign priority values to each ofthe loads through the connection to the transfer switch control unit 38through the various outputs 40-54. As set forth previously, the controlunit can shed load by simply opening or closing the interconnect devicespositioned between the electric loads and the transfer switch controlunit. In the embodiment shown, each load is connected to the controlunit through a contactor, such as contactors 26 and 28. Alternatively,the connection between the loads could be carried out by a relaycontained within the main breaker panel 18. In either case, the controlunit 38 can selectively shed loads in any order defined by the user oncethe transfer switch control unit 38 has been programmed to define whichof the loads is connected to which of the control outputs.

Referring now to FIG. 5, the operation of the control unit will now bedescribed. Initially, when the control unit determines that electricpower has been lost from the utility, the control unit sends a startsignal to the generator, as illustrated in step 120. In addition tostarting the generator, the control unit closes all of the prioritycircuits, as illustrated in step 122.

Upon power interruption and activation of the standby generator, thecontrol unit determines in step 124 whether the total load for acombination of all the priority output circuits as well as the loaddistributed through the branch circuits 20 connected to the main breakerpanel 18 in FIG. 1 is less than the generator rating. As indicatedpreviously, the generator is typically operated at a percent of itsmaximum output, such as 85%.

If the current load on the generator is less than the rating, thetransfer switch control unit continues to maintain all of the priorityoutput circuits in a closed position such that power from the generatoris supplied to each of the priority loads. However, if the systemdetermines in step 124 that the combined load is no longer below thegenerator rating, the system begins to shed load by opening the relayassociated with the lowest priority circuit still closed, as indicatedin step 126. In the embodiment of FIG. 2, the system first opens thecontactor 78 on the eighth control output 54, as indicated in step 126of FIG. 4.

After the first load is shed in step 126, the system determines in step128 whether the total load on the generator is now below the generatorrating. If the total load is not below the generator rating, the systemwill return to step 126 and shed the next lowest priority load on theseventh control output 52. This sequence continues until the transferswitch control unit has opened the required number of priority circuitsto decrease the load on the generator below the generator rating. As anexample, the transfer switch control unit may need to open the relaysassociated with priority outputs 5-6 to bring the total load on thegenerator below the generator rating.

Once enough of the load has been shed, the system determine in step 130whether the user has entered an input into the user interface deviceindicating that the user wishes to reassign the priority values for theloads. If the user has indicated such a desire to change the priorityvalues, the system reassigns the priority values in the control unit, asshown in step 132. The reassignment of the priority values can be basedupon either the selection of one of the predefined priority assignmentprograms A-C or based upon user controlled assignments of priorityvalues to each of the loads individually.

Once the priority values have been reassigned in step 132, the systemadjusts which of the priority circuits are opened and closed, asindicated in step 134. As an example, if the stove moved from priorityvalue number 6 to priority value number 1, the system will cause thecontactor 70 positioned between the stove 68 and the main breaker panel18 to close, thus applying electric power to the stove 68. At the sametime, the control unit 38 will close other contactors based upon thereassigned priority values. Once the priority circuits have beenadjusted, the control system monitors the load on the generator in step136 and again determines whether the load is below the generator ratingin step 138. If the load is not below the generator rating, the systemreturns to step 126 and opens the lowest priority circuit still closed.

However, if the system determines in step 138 that the load is below thegenerator rating, the system determine whether the highest prioritycircuit that is open can be closed without exceeding the rating of thegenerator, as illustrated in step 140. This step ensures that the systemprovides power to the highest priority loads if and when the total loadon the generator falls, such as when a device is turned off, such as isthe case with the microwave oven. The system ensures that when the totaloverall load decreases, the system activates the highest priority loadsthat are disconnected first and only activates lower priority loads whenthe lower priority loads do not exceed the rating of the standbygenerator. In the manner described above, although various loads areinitially connected to priority control outputs based upon theirimportance during the initial installation, the transfer switch controlunit is capable of reassigning priority values to each of the loadswithout actually requiring the loads to be rewired to the transferswitch. In this manner, the system allows the user to selectivelyreassign priority values, either before or during a power outage.

Referring to FIG. 3, the transfer switch 16 preferably includes adisplay 82 that has a plurality of individual indicator lights 84positioned adjacent to a series of numeric indicators 86 representingeach of the eight priority outputs. Each of the indicator lights 84 isilluminated when power is being supplied to the priority circuitassociated with the indicator number 86.

We claim:
 1. A method of managing a plurality of electric loads poweredby a standby generator, the method comprising the steps of:interconnecting each of the plurality of electric loads to one of aplurality of outputs such that the electric loads receive power throughthe outputs; providing a plurality of predefined priority assignmentprograms in a control unit; assigning a priority value to each of theelectric loads between a highest priority value and a lowest priorityvalue for each of the priority assignment programs, wherein the initialpriority values assigned to the electric loads vary among the pluralityof priority assignment programs; receiving a selection of one thepredefined priority assignment programs from a user; monitoring acombined load on the generator; selectively disconnecting the electricloads from the generator in a sequential order from the lowest priorityvalue to the highest priority value based on the assigned priorityvalues according to the selected priority assignment program when thecombined load on the generator reaches a rated value for the generator,wherein the electric loads having the lowest priority value aresequentially disconnected from the generator until the combined load onthe generator falls below the rated value for the generator; andselectively reassigning the priority values to the electric loads tomodify the order the electric loads are disconnected from the generatorupon the selection of another priority assignment program by the user.2. The method of claim 1 wherein the initial priority values for theelectric loads are assigned based upon the physical connection of theelectric loads to the plurality of outputs.
 3. The method of claim 2wherein the priority values are reassigned based upon user input.
 4. Themethod of claim 3 wherein the user input is received from a userinterface device.
 5. The method of claim 1 wherein the priorityassignment programs are presented on a user interface device such thatthe user can select one of the priority assignment programs through theuser interface device.
 6. The method of claim 1 further comprising thestep of adjusting the loads connected to the generator based upon thereassigned priority values.
 7. A method of managing a plurality ofelectric loads in a residence powered by a standby generator, the methodcomprising the steps of: interconnecting each of the plurality ofelectric loads to one of a plurality of outputs; providing a pluralityof predefined priority assignment programs in a control unit; assigninga priority value to each of the electric loads between a highestpriority value and a lowest priority value for each of the priorityassignment programs, wherein the initial priority values assigned to theelectric loads vary among the plurality of priority assignment programsin a control unit; receiving a selection of one of the predefinedpriority assignment programs from a user; monitoring a combined load onthe generator in the control unit; selectively disconnecting theelectric loads from the generator in a sequential order from the lowestpriority value to the highest priority value based on the assignedpriority values according to the selected priority assignment programwhen the combined load on the generator reaches a rated value for thegenerator, wherein the electric loads having the lowest priority valueare sequentially disconnected from the generator until the combined loadon the generator falls below the rated value for the generator; andselectively reassigning priority values to the electric loads to modifythe order the electric loads are disconnected from the generator uponthe selection of another priority assignment program by the user.
 8. Themethod of claim 7 wherein the initial priority values for the electricloads are assigned based upon the physical connection of the electricloads to the plurality of outputs.
 9. The method of claim 8 wherein thepriority values are reassigned based upon user input.
 10. The method ofclaim 9 wherein the user input is received from a user interface device.11. The method of claim 9 wherein the priority assignment programs arepresented on a user interface device such that the user can select oneof the priority assignment programs through the user interface device.12. The method of claim 7 further comprising the step of adjusting theloads connected to the generator based upon the reassigned priorityvalues.
 13. The method of claim 7 wherein each of the electric loads areconnected to an interconnect device, wherein the control unitselectively connects and disconnects each of the electric loads throughthe interconnect devices.
 14. The method of claim 13 wherein theinterconnect devices are each contained within a main breaker panel. 15.The method of claim 13 wherein the interconnect devices are positionedexternal to a main breaker panel.
 16. A load management system formanaging one or more electric loads in a residence powered by a standbygenerator, the system comprising: a transfer switch coupled to thestandby generator; a control unit contained within the transfer switchand operable to selectively connect and disconnect each of the electricloads from the generator, the control unit being configured to: providea plurality of predefined priority assignment programs; assign aninitial priority value to each of the electric loads between a highestpriority value and a lowest priority value for each of the priorityassignment programs; receive a selection of one of the predefinedpriority assignment programs from a user: monitor a combined load on thegenerator; selectively disconnect the electric loads from the generatorin a sequential order based on the priority values assigned to each loadas assigned by the selected priority assignment program, wherein theloads having the lowest priority value are sequentially disconnecteduntil the combined load on the generator falls below a rated value forthe generator; selectively reassign priority values to the electricloads based upon the selection of another priority assignment programthrough subsequent user input; and adjust the loads connected to thegenerator based upon the reassigned priority values from the anotherselected priority assignment program.
 17. The load management system ofclaim 16 further comprising a user interface device coupled to thecontrol unit of the transfer switch, wherein the user selects thepriority assignment programs through the user interface device.
 18. Theload management system of claim 17 further comprising a plurality ofinterconnect devices each positioned between one of the electric loadsand the transfer switch, wherein each interconnect device is operable toselectively connect and disconnect the electric load from the generatorbased upon a signal from the control unit.